Arianespace to launch GEO-KOMPSAT 2A and 2B satellites for Korea Aerospace Research InstituteThe Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) has chosen Arianespace to launch the two satellites in its GEO-KOMPSAT-2 program. Mr. Jacques Breton, Senior Vice President, Sales & Customers of Arianespace and Mr. CHO Gwangrae, President of KARI, have signed today the launch contract for GEOKOMPSAT-2A & -2B.GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (GK2A) and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B) will be orbited by Ariane 5 launchers in May 2018 and March 2019 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.For nearly 25 years now, Arianespace and KOREA’s satellite technology research centers have developed a sound relationship, with the launch of both scientific microsatellites and the COMS multi-mission satellite. GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (GK2A) and GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK2B) will be the seventh and eighth satellites launched by Arianespace for South Korea.Each of the GEO-KOMPSAT-2 satellites will weigh about 3,500 kg. at launch, and will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 128.2° East.The satellites will be built by KARI at its facility in Daejeon, South Korea. The two governmental GEO-KOMPSAT-2 satellites will primarily perform meteorological observation and space weather monitoring (GK2A), and ocean and Earth environmental monitoring (GK2B).Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël welcomed the contract signing, saying: “Arianespace is extremely proud of its selection by the Korean space agency, KARI. Our last launch for KARI occurred in 2010. Now, we have been chosen again by KARI to launch these two impressive meteorological observation missions. Contributing to Korean space achievements is a great honor for Arianespace. I would once again like to thank the Korea Aerospace Research Institute for selecting us. Arianespace will deliver.”
GSAT-11, the heaviest Indian communication satellite built to date, for faster Internet connectivity, is back once again at the Guiana Space Centre for an early December launch. K. Sivan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary, Department of Space, confirmed on Wednesday that the 5,700 kg spacecraft was shipped out of Bengaluru last week and has reached the European launch port.GSAT-11 is built to provide the Indian region superior communication and 12 GBPS connectivity with its multiple spot beams in Ka and Ku bands.
The chairman said India's heaviest satellite Gsat-11 weighing over 5.7 tonnes, which was earlier recalled from French Guiana to check for any possible anomalies, "will now be launched from the European spaceport on December 4". Gsat-11 is also a high throughput communication satellite that will help usher in high-speed internet era in the country.
VA246 is currently planned for 4th of December at 17:37 local with a 1h16min window
Do we have the Ariane-5ECA serial number?
Can anybody send the Link of live stream?